Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #69093
From: bob mackey <n103md@yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: [LNC2] L235 on grass
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 07:54:58 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Steve, David: 

The small Lancairs (235, 320, 360) have small tires and little ground clearance at the prop. With the original rubber-donut landing gear, the ride was fairly harsh on pavement with expansion joints. With the oleo dampers (debongers), the ride is much better. Also, my landing skills improved markedly at the same time that I installed the debongers. 

I fly a 235 airframe with a high-compression O-320 engine (~170 HP). 
On pavement, I like to have 3000' for landing, and 2000'+ for takeoff. 
A constant speed prop can reduce that by adding more drag in landing configuration.
On hardpacked, smooth dirt, the same requirements apply. I have operated from smooth hard dirt many times. 
On soft turf, I would be worried about the 3.5" wide 50psi tires digging in, making ruts, and contributing too much rolling friction for a safe takeoff, or possibly jamming grass or mud into the brakes. The outback landing gear might help with turf runways, but I think it is too bulky for the 235 wing, so it is found only on 320/360 airframes, as far as I know. 

In my opinion, 2000' is too short for a 235 making less than 150 HP and weighing 1300-1400 lbs.  
Santa Paula airport, where Lance developed the 235 has a 2700' runway, and a river at one end. 

-bob mackey





From:
Steve <mcmess1919@yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject:Lancair 235 info
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 11:27:21 -0500
To:lml@lancaironline.net
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David,
I will post your question on the Lancair Mailing List for input from L235 owners who may have experience with grass strips.
My opinion is 2000' is too short even for a paved strip and grass would be too hard on the landing gear.  Let's see what the 235 guys have to say.
Steve Colwell
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